10 Classic American Rides

4- 1948 Tucker

The Tucker is a great underdog story and an even better car. In the late 1940s, Preston Tucker decided to build a better car, and the Big Three took notice (some say they did more than take notice, but that's another discussion). Tucker clearly succeeded in his goal to develop a better, safer car. It rode on a four-wheel independent suspension. The innovative safety features continued inside with a padded dash and the "crash cowl," an area for the front passengers to duck into before an impending collision. Furthermore, a Cyclops-esque center headlight rotated with the front wheels.

To the rear, the Tucker's horizontally-opposed six-cylinder pushed the car to an impressive 120 mph. Too bad Tucker's dream came to a halt after just 51 models had been built.

Cool fact: If you've seen Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith, you may notice that Senator Bail Organa's (Jimmy Smits) ride was inspired by the Tucker.

5- 1948-1986 Jeep CJ

It's tougher than a car, more nimble than a truck, and it helped win World War II. How freaking cool is that? For decades, the Jeep CJ represented rugged individuality and a sense of adventure. It wasn't known for its speed, and even less so for comfort. But that wasn't the point. "It's a Jeep thing... you wouldn't understand," as the saying goes.

With the Jeep CJ, you could ditch the top and doors, fold the windshield and go for it. When you were done playing, you could hose the exterior and the interior. Try that with your Navigator.

Cool fact: Without Jeep, it's debatable whether or not SUVs would have ever caught on.

6- 1969 Dodge Daytona/1970 Plymouth Superbird

Not many guys can claim their car was too hot for NASCAR, but you can if you own a Dodge Daytona or a Plymouth Superbird. They were even wilder than the original models form which they evolved — the Charger and Road Runner. The Daytona and the Superbird could really fly, but their elongated snouts and sky-high rear wings kept them planted. No one really knew it at the time, but they were the apex of the muscle car era; and like that period, they were gone too soon after NASCAR rule changes made them obsolete.

Cool fact: Buddy Baker took his Daytona just over the 200-mph barrier at Talladega, a record that stood for 13 years.

7- 1964-1970 Ford Mustang

We can forgive Lee Iacocca for the Mopar K-cars. He's the father of the Mustang. When it debuted in 1964, everybody — really, everybody — wanted one. Huge lines formed at dealers just to see one. Equally big lines formed to actually buy one. Dozens of options allowed the driver to equip it from mild to wild without breaking the bank.

And it wasn't long before Carroll Shelby lent his magic touch to some truly special editions. Oh, and can you say Bullitt without thinking Mustang?